The legendary Jeff Beck, a guitar virtuoso celebrated for his innovative and genre-defying music, continues to make headlines even after his passing. One of his prized guitars, a 1954 ‘Oxblood’ Gibson Les Paul, has been sold at auction for a staggering £1,068,500, equivalent to over $1 million USD. This sale underscores the enduring legacy of Jeff Beck and the immense value placed on instruments connected to true guitar icons.
This ‘Oxblood’ Gibson Les Paul, instantly recognizable to many fans, graced the cover of Beck’s seminal 1975 album, Blow by Blow. The auction, conducted in London by Christie’s, featured over 130 guitars, amplifiers, and effects pedals from Jeff Beck’s extensive collection, representing his remarkable six-decade career. The items were showcased for a week prior to the auction, drawing significant attention from collectors and fans alike.
Before the auction, the ‘Oxblood’ Les Paul was estimated to sell for between £300,000 and £500,000. Amelia Walker from Christie’s provided insightful details about the instrument, stating, “Originally it was not an Oxblood, it was a Gold Top.” This transformation adds to the guitar’s unique history and appeal. Walker further highlighted the guitar’s significance, “Fans will know it from the cover of his debut solo album Blow by Blow, released in 1975, recorded with the legendary George Martin. He even used it for the encore during David Bowie’s final performance as Ziggy Stardust in July 1973,” cementing its place in rock history.
Jeff Beck’s journey to guitar stardom began in Wallington, Surrey, where he was born in 1944. He first achieved international fame as a member of the Yardbirds in the mid-1960s. This iconic band also served as a launching pad for fellow Surrey guitarists Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page, highlighting the region’s incredible contribution to rock music. Beck’s innovative guitar work within the Yardbirds and subsequently in his solo career solidified his status as one of the most influential guitarists of all time.
Adding a charitable dimension to the auction, a custom Fender Stratocaster signed by a host of rock legends was also sold. The proceeds from this particular guitar will be donated to Folly Wildlife Rescue in Tunbridge Wells, a Kent animal rescue center for which Jeff Beck served as a patron. This Fender Stratocaster became a unique tribute piece, autographed by artists who performed at a Jeff Beck tribute concert held at the Royal Albert Hall in May 2023, organized by Eric Clapton.
Ms. Walker from Christie’s emphasized the special nature of this signed Stratocaster, “This is a moment in time of that tribute. It’s really special, it’s a Jeff Beck signature Stratocaster as well. We’ve got signatures from Rod Stewart, Ronnie Wood, Eric Clapton, Billy Gibbons, Kirk Hammett, and Johnny Depp.” This guitar not only celebrates Jeff Beck’s legacy but also supports a cause he cared about.
Jeff Beck’s impact on the world of guitar playing is undeniable. Inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009 by his former Yardbirds bandmate Jimmy Page, Beck’s innovative techniques and fearless approach to music inspired generations of guitarists. The auction of his guitars serves not only as a testament to his enduring fame but also as an opportunity for fans and collectors to own a piece of rock history, keeping the spirit of Jeff Beck’s guitar genius alive.
